Clingstone: A Private Island Mansion
By Islomaniac | August 18, 2008
Not all islands have sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, but that doesn’t mean they are without value. Someone certainly saw the value in this island, and chose to build their island home on it. A rocky island in the state of Rhode Island, Clingstone Mansion is without a doubt one of the most unique mansions anywhere.
The 103-year-old mansion was built in 1905 at a cost of $36,982.99. Today, the mansion which has 360-degree views of the bay offers a combination of grandiose opulence and rough beach house charm. The mansion itself is massive containing 23 room, including 10 bedrooms spread out over three floors.
In 1961, a man named Henry Wood paid $3,600 for the mansion after it had fallen into a state of disrepair. With the help of family and friends, he’s completely restored the house. The island is remains a private residence and who knows if this incredible property will ever come on the market.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Family Islands | No Comments »
Sunday Island Movie: Cutthroat Island
By Islomaniac | August 17, 2008
It has been ages since I featured a “weekend island movie,” however, I was inspired by a recent movie I watched called Cutthroat Island. Cutthroat Island is a 1995 movie starring Geena Davis and Mathew Modine. In the movie Davis, plays infamous female pirate Morgan Adams who heads out on a quest with her mutinous crew to find a long lost burried treasure hidden on Cutthroat Island.
The movie which takes place near Jamaica in The Caribbean follows Davis as she fights off her crew, her villainous uncle and the British navy in a quest to find a long lost treasure hidden by one of her ancestors. Although the movie has some pretty good special effects, and the islands are beautiful, the dialogue is terrible and the plot doesn’t always make sense. That being said, Cutthroat Island makes for some great Sunday afternoon island entertainment.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Island Movies | No Comments »
A Glass House
By Islomaniac | August 16, 2008
When I came across this house on Luxist.com I immediately knew I had to feature it on my blog. Granted this lavish home is not located on a private island (its actually in Toronto, Canada), but it is the idea of such a house on a private island that is alluring.
Around the world many architects have built glass houses for wealthy clients. The purpose of a glass house is to allow for seemless integration of the house into the surrounding environment. A glass house, therefore allows for expansive views of the city, dessert or rainforest where it resides.
Despite so many glass houses being built, I have yet to hear about one being built on a private island. To me a private island seems like the perfect location for a glass house. I can only imagine how beautiful a glass house would be set amongst a rich green canopy, overlooking a white sand beach and azure waters.
To me a private island seems like the perfect place to build a glass house. After all private islands are probably among the few places where you could build a glass house and still have privacy!
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »
Isola Bella Italy
By Islomaniac | August 15, 2008
Italy has some of the greatest architeture in the world. Therefore, it comes as no surpirse that this beauty extends to their many beautiful islands. Isola Bella or Lago Maggiore is a beautiful island located in Northern Italy and situated in the Borromean Gulf, 400 meters from the town of Stressa.
The island is just 320 meters long by 400 meters wide, with the entire island being occupied by the expansive Palazzo borromeo and its lush garden. Up until 1632 the island was just a rocky crag, but that year a man named Carlo III of the wealthy Bouse of Borromeo began construction of the palazzo, dedicating it to his wife Isabella, for whom the island is named.
Construction came to a hault during the plague, but was resumed by Carlos’s sons who turned the newly constructed villa in a hub for sumptuous parties and theatre. The completion of the gardens, however, was left to Carlo’s nephew Carlo IV, finally being completed in 1671.
Today Isola Bella is a popular tourist attraction, with a regular ferry service from Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza and Intra.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Family Islands, Island Vacations | 1 Comment »
Affordable Irish Island Rental
By Islomaniac | August 14, 2008
I have had the opportunity to travel to Ireland a number of times over my long life, and every time I visit it feels like going home. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the scenery is stunning. One of my favorite islands for rent in Ireland is called Inish Beg Island.
This property, which is almost 100-acres in size is a beautiful private island estate located in West Cork county, a popular tourist destination. The islands owners Paul and Georgiana Keane have undertaken an extensive renovation of the island to create the ideal environment for an intimate island holiday.
The island is known for its beautiful woodlands, farmland, and foreshore. There are a number of cottages to choose from on the island with most including 2-3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and a private garden. While staying on this private island estate, guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool, steam room and gym. A quick journey to the mainland allows guests to enjoy, sailing, diving and golf.
Rates start at 1,250 Euros a week, for more information visit Private Islands Online.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Island Vacations | No Comments »
Celine Dion’s Private Island
By Islomaniac | August 13, 2008
There is a long list of celebrities who own private islands, a list that I consider myself pretty familiar with. However, every once and a while, I hear about a celebrity who owns a private island that I was not aware of. The other day I came across an article referencing Canadian singer Celine Dion’s private island.
The Titanic singer owns an island called Ile Gagnon located on the Riviere des Mille Iles, in the singers home province of Quebec. The river which is home to 103 islands has become popular with both Candian and foreign toursits who want to get a glimpse of the superstars island home. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information on the island, which is probably why not many people have heard of it. That being said it looks like a beautiful property and I think its great that Celine is part of the islomaniac club.
To read the full article visit Canada.com
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Islands in the News, Celebrity Islands | No Comments »
Dellis Cay: Not Your Typical Private Island
By Islomaniac | August 12, 2008
Right now in the Caribbean seven architects are working to create one of the most exclusive, and beautiful private island communities in the world. Dellis Cay, which is 560-acres of paradise located among the islands of Turks and Caicos.
Dellis Cay is owned by Dr. Cern who also serves as chairman of the O Property Collection. Dr. Cern, along with his team of highly accomplished architects are working with this beautiful environment with both private residence and an uber-luxurious resort. The resort which will be known as the Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay will feature a spa that sits in a sea of mangroves.
I am not sure when the project is slated for completion, but I do know that construction has begun. I have a feeling this project will be immensely successful, and I am particularly excited about their decision to use the island for multiple purposes, spa, villa community and resort.
For more information on Dellis Cay visit the link.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Islands in the News, Island Luxury, Island Vacations | No Comments »
Al Reem Island
By Islomaniac | August 11, 2008
The masters of island development are at it again, this time with a simplified, if not more functional island project. The United Arab Emirates is currently planning developed of Al Reem Island, a natural island in the city of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. The island, when completed will be located less than a kilometer away from downtown Abu Dhabi, and only 20 minutes from the capital’s international airport.
Al Reem Island much like the island projects in Dubai is a waterfront development. Abu Dhabi is hoping to duplicate the success of island projects in the larger city of Dubai. Al Reem Island will offer a combiation of combination of urban as well as recreational areas.
Spread across 6.5 million sq. mt., the development holds the distinction of being the largest in Abu Dhabi. In addition, it is also the first development of its kind in the region to be executed on a natural island. The project, which is being completed in three phases, first began in 2006. Completion of the final phase of the project is not expected until 2023. Upon completion, Al Reem Island will have a total built-up area of 110 million sq. ft. and will serve as home to over 100,000 residents.
Click for more information on Al Reem Island
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Islands in the News, Island Luxury | No Comments »
Scottish Island on Market for £100,000
By Islomaniac | August 10, 2008
Although there are plenty of islands on the market for £100,000 (about $200,000), it is rare for such an island to come on the market in Scotland. The island which is called Mackenzie Island or Eilean Mhic in Galic is located off the coast of Islay, Scotland.
The uninhabited island which is 42 acres in size is a haven for wildlife. Its affordable price is due in part to the fact that the island is undeveloped and is not connected to any utilities. Until now the island has been used by the owner Gilbert MacNab to graze cattle.
The article does not indicate whether one would be able to develop the island. However, since the island is located just just 660 feet from the picturesque village of Portnahaven (pictured), development of the property would be relatively easy. To learn more about this property visit The Press and Journal.
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Islands in the News, Islands for Sale | No Comments »
8 Sensational Diving Trips
By Islomaniac | August 9, 2008
MSNBC just came out with its list of the top diving trips in the world, and of course a number of islands made it on the list. Islomaniacs and divers have known for ages that islands are ideal spots for diving. Since many are located in the middle of coral reefs, the diving around islands is usually incredible.
Islands that made it onto the list include the Maldives; Kona Island, Hawaii; and Pamalican Island, Philippines. Here is an excerpt from the article.
Imagine floating at the edge of an ocean canyon where the drop is a precipitous 1,000 feet. Or discovering artifacts from colonial America embedded in the sand below the water’s surface. If these experiences sound too pedestrian, consider exploring the dark passages of a sunken World War II cargo ship loaded with 360,000 bombs.
Such is the life of a scuba diver — the opportunities for underwater adventure are innumerable when you’ve strapped on a tank of compressed air.
To read the complete article visit MSNBC
Share This Subscribe to This Blog
Topics: Islands in the News, Island Vacations | No Comments »
Site Feed (RSS)